The name Jesus is spoke of and written almost everywhere you look these days. Denominations have risen up with much emphasis on the "name." They make it to be a kind of formula (almost like a magic word) by which to gain what they want or a formula by which if a man is baptized he is regenerated.
These uses of the name of Jesus in no way are true to God's setting forth of that name in Holy Scripture. Many thousands have been named "jesus" throughout the ages so it has to be more than simply that group of letters that is the identifying factor with Him Who is God's Son.
As a matter of fact, Paul warned about "another Jesus" and many antichrists" that are gone out in the world.
How do we then distinguish Jesus the Son of God from these impostors that deceitful religious men have invented?
The name of God's son has to do with His divine Person and authority as well as His accomplished work! The Saviour is not only identified by the name but more so by His person, work and success.
When the Son of God was about to be born into this world, angels visited both Joseph and Mary who were to be His earthly parents with instructions regarding the naming of the child. This child that was to be born was the Eternal Son that was now being given. (Isa. 9:6).
The instructions to Mary are found in Luke 1:31-33. She is told, thou "shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
Not only is she told what His name should be but why!
His greatness is declared. He is God manifest in human flesh. By this name He is proclaimed the absolute Sovereign Ruler, reigning over all things for eternity. He is King over creation, providence and salvation!
The sovereignty of Christ is vitally connected with the name of Jesus and an "jesus" who is not the ruler of all things is not God's Son!
The instructions given to Joseph are found in Matthew 1:21 and reveal even more about this Jesus who is the Christ. "And she shall call his name Jesus: for He shall save his people for their sins."
First of all, those whom this Jesus saves are said to be sinners. They are dead in their trespasses and sin and therefore must be saved and rescued and delivered from them by an outside source.
Any "jesus" who does not save those who cannot save or even help to save themselves is not the Jesus of Whom the angel spoke.
It is not the cooperation of man but the salvation of the Saviour that identifies Him.
Secondly, those whom He saves are called "his people."
Why and how are they His?
They are His because the Father chose them before the foundation of the world and gave them to the Son. They are the elect of God, chosen by the Father who made this choice based on no foreseen merit or action on the part of these sinners. (Eph. 1:3,4; John 6:37-40; John 17:2).
They are His by election, by redemption, by adoption, by regeneration and by faith.
Any "jesus" who does not have a people as the result of the Father's election and donation to Him is not the Jesus of whom the angel spoke.
Thirdly, we are told by this angelic messenger that He saves only but all of His people.
That is, when the Lord Jesus Christ came to this world He did so to live for and die for and satisfy God's justice for a particular people!
Not those who will by their will make His work effectual.
He laid down His life for the sheep and purchased the church with His own blood. His death was a definite death to redeem a definite people.
Any "jesus" who dies a universal but overall unsuccessful death is not Jesus the Christ.
Fourthly, we are assured of His success in effectually saving His people. He "shall save" His people! By the power of His Spirit He shall reveal His work on their behalf to them in the gospel and shall effectually bring them to faith in Himself. (John 6:45, 10:26-30; Rom 8:28-34).
Any "jesus" who does not effectually call and apply the benefits of His redemptive work to those for whom He died is not Jesus, God's Son.
Lastly, associated with this name is the guarantee of a sure and eternal salvation in Him. "He shall save His people from their sins." Fully, freely and finally!
His salvation is eternal! He gives unto His sheep eternal life and they never perish. They are kept by the power of God through faith. Nothing can separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus! (John 10:28; Rom. 8:1, 34-39).
This Jesus of scripture shall present every one of those for whom He died before the throne of God's glory and they shall be to the praise of the glory of His grace.
The apostle Paul warns and instructs us that "though we, an angel from heaven or any man preach any other gospel (any other Jesus) than we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal :6-9).
Any other gospel other than the gospel of this Jesus is another gospel!